Flexible options: Take classes online, mixed mode or in person to find a fit that’s right for you and your schedule.

Job Titles of Alumni with a BS in Accounting

Staff Accountant

Financial Manager

Financial Analyst

Controller

Public Accountant

Accounting Manager

Auditor

Cost Accountant

Tax Accountant

If you’re looking to develop skills in research, analysis and critical thinking, but still maintain an ability to communicate well on a layman’s level, a bachelor’s degree in accounting may be for you. CityU of Seattle’s undergraduate accounting program will prepare you for lifelong learning in the ever-changing field of accounting.

Lower-Division Requirements (90)

This course emphasizes the preparation and recording of accounting information and is intended for students majoring in accounting. Students will learn about of the accounting cycle, the measuring process and the classification of data, and the accounting terminology that is essential to the preparation and effective use of financial principles that apply to statements. This course introduces basic accounting concepts and techniques; fundamentals of the accounting process and preparation of basic financial statements; accounting principles involved in the measurement and reporting of assets and liabilities; elements of consolidated statements and statement of cash flows; and using and interpreting financial statements for decision-making. Prerequisites: Strong math and algebra skills in addition to logical thinking are required to succeed in this course.

Upper-Division Requirements (90)

Undergraduate Core

BC 301

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Critical Thinking (5)

The critical thinking process is used to analyze today's issues and aid the student in identifying rational solutions. Topics examined include: argument analyzing and building; forms and standards of critical thinking; and evaluating sources of information.

BC 303

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Statistics (5)

BC303, Statistics focuses on the usefulness and limitations of statistical processes and their present day applications. Topics include: descriptive statistics, probability theory and distributions, sampling, hypothesis testing, regression, and correlation models. Students will focus on problem formulation, technique selection and results interpretation. It is strongly recommended that College Math be taken prior to this course.

Business Core

BSC 402

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Financing Organizations (5)

Financing Organizations is an examination of the analytical tools used to manage and control finances. Concepts studied include the acquisition and oversight of working capital, intermediate and long-term financing, and the cost of capital and capital budgeting. Course Entry Requirement: BSC 401.

BSC 407

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The Effective Organization (5)

This course investigates dilemmas that routinely plague organizations as well as possible solutions to these dilemmas. Topics include diversity within the organization; conflict and negotiation; perception, motivation and reinforcement; leadership roles throughout the organization; human resource management and team building; organizational cultures; design and information technology; and organizational change and development.

BSM 405

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Operations Management (5)

This course explores operations management in the manufacturing and service environments. Topics include: cost accounting information for improving efficiency, product and service quality, total quality management, project management, materials resource planning, value creation, supply chain management and economic value. Students will focus on how to apply these concepts to real world operation functions of both manufacturing and services. It is strongly recommended that College Math and Quantitative Methods be taken prior to this course.

BSM 407

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Business Economics (5)

This course applies micro and macro economic theories to the real world. Topics include: supply and demand; market structure; policy issues such as income distribution, government regulation, and the environment; business cycles; money and monetary policy; and the international economy. Students will learn how to examine economic issues in their personal and professional lives.

BSM 495

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Business Strategy (5)

This is a capstone course that provides the student an opportunity to integrate discrete skills gained from prior coursework in general business, accounting, marketing, management, business law, communications, operations, human relations, and information systems. Students address business finance, growth and management issues, and problems, viewing them from multiple perspectives. Prerequisites: BSM 405, BSC 402, MK 300, or equivalents.

IS 330

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Information Systems (5)

This course will cover information systems taxonomies and general applications such as CRM, SCM, eCommerce, ERP, business intelligence, knowledge management, finance and accounting, personal productivity, computer supported cooperative work (groupware), and global systems. Future trends and directions of information systems will conclude this course.

MK 300

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Principles of Marketing (5)

This course provides an introduction to basic marketing concepts. Topics include the marketing mix, new product development, consumer behavior, customer relationship management, strategic planning and e-commerce. Students will develop a comprehensive marketing plan and apply course concepts to real or imaginary products.

Major Required Courses

AC 301

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Intermediate Accounting I (5)

This course provides an in-depth examination of the theory and practice of financial accounting, including the accounting environment and underlying conceptual framework. Students will learn about Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and the application of those principles in the preparation of financial information. This course includes the detailed study of the four major financial statements, cash, receivables, inventories, and applications of time value of money concepts. Prerequisites: AC 215 or the equivalent.

AC 302

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Intermediate Accounting II (5)

This course is the second of three intermediate accounting courses and continues the in-depth examination of the theory and practice of financial accounting. This course concentrates on the accounting for non-current assets, current and long-term liabilities, contributed capital, retained earnings, temporary and long-term investments, and Earnings Per Share (EPS) calculations. Students will learn to account for these items through researching and applying Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Prerequisites: AC 301.

AC 303

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Intermediate Accounting III (5)

AC 303 includes the in-depth examination of theory and practice of financial accounting. This course concentrates on the preparation and analysis of the statement of cash flows; financial statement analysis; treatment of accounting changes and error analysis; disclosure requirements; revenue recognition; accounting for income taxes, leases, pensions, and post-requirement benefits. Intermediate Accounting III focuses on the accounting principles and concepts governing the reporting of these items according to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Prerequisites: AC 302.

AC 312

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Management Accounting (5)

This course focuses on the production of financial information to support a company's internal managers and influence related economic decisions. Students will learn to create information and organize reports that will aid in the competent planning and control of business operations. Emphasis is placed on the investigation of different methods of product costing, cost behaviors, budgeting, and pricing and how this information affects company operations, product mix, planning, and direction. A basic understanding of statistics and quantitative methods is recommended but not required. Prerequisites: AC 302.

AC 405

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Advanced Accounting (5)

This course will take the student through an in-depth study of financial accounting and accounting research. Emphasis is placed on the preparation and analysis of consolidated financial statements using various methods, accounting for minority ownership and equity investments including the treatment of goodwill, disaggregation of financial reports into operating segment information, restatement of foreign currency transactions and translation of financial statements to reflect international monetary differences, partnership admission, dissolution, and liquidation, and accounting for state and local governments. This course also includes a brief overview of private not-for-profit organizations. Students will learn the concepts and techniques underlying the seven technical areas of accounting. Prerequisites: AC 303.

AC 411

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Auditing (5)

This course focuses on the methodology for examining public company financial statements in an attest function engagement according to generally accepted auditing standards. The course covers audit planning, risk assessment, tests of internal controls, substantive testing of transactions, audit opinions and report writing, ethics and the legal liability of the independent auditor. Students will learn to apply the concepts and techniques underlying the auditing profession that are essential to the competent performance of a professional audit. Prerequisites: AC 303.

AC 412

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Business Law for Accountants (5)

This course is a survey of the concepts and principles affecting business organizations and commercial transactions, contracts, and agency and employment relationships. Emphasis is given to the Uniform Commercial Code's provisions regarding sales, commercial paper and transactions involving security interests. The course also covers employment law, personal property, bankruptcy, estates and trusts, and environmental regulation. The course focuses on areas tested on the CPA examination.

AC 420

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Federal Income Tax Concepts (5)

This course provides an overview of federal taxation principles, application, and research. The course focuses on federal tax law, income tax liability calculation, the tax effects of property transactions, income, deductions, and payments. Students will learn to recognize, differentiate, and analyze federal tax issues and to present tax-planning options to decision-makers. Prerequisites: AC 215, AC 301 or other college course in financial accounting.

AC 430

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Business Ethics for Accountants (5)

Business Ethics for Accountants provides the ethical framework for success as an accountant in the increasingly complex global business environment where ethical issues have negatively impacted many executives and companies. Emphasis is placed on ethical tragedies and trends affecting accountants, identifying frameworks for ethical decision making, examining the role and ethical expectations of the accountant, considering major ethical challenges faced by accountants, and analyzing ethical governance and accountability as a means to prevent fraud. Students will learn how ethics have become a critical success factor for business, how ethical behavior and decision making can be improved, and how special problems facing accountants can be managed.

Note: Accounting majors must demonstrate proficiency in basic accounting concepts through the completion of AC 215, Fundamentals of Accounting, at City University of Seattle or the equivalent, prior to enrolling in the major required courses.

Forty-five additional credit hours (in addition to a Bachelor's degree) are required to sit for the CPA exam in the State of Washington as of June 2000. These additional credit hours may be obtained at the undergraduate or graduate level. Please consult the State Board of Accountancy in the state where you plan to take the exam for your state's specific requirements.

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: MBA from Saint Martins University.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I love to be outside in the sun. Needless to say gardening is a love of mine, particularly flowers. I also like to walk and ride bicycles. When it’s raining I stay inside and cook or read. All of these activities are much more enjoyable when accompanied by at least one grandchild.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: I particularly enjoy financial accounting courses such as Principles of Accounting and the Intermediate Accounting series. I worked in Public Accounting and later for industry. All of my jobs have involved aspects of financial accounting, so I think these courses align nicely with my work experience.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: When I was in the corporate world, my boss explained the company had a need for corporate training and the decision had been made to staff the classes in-house. He asked if I would be interested in teaching a class. It sounded like fun so I heartily agreed. I asked about books, notes, PowerPoints, problems sets and he told me that I would be creating all of my materials. Many weeks later, I began delivering classes, and had a blast teaching. When my boss called me back in to provide feedback he told me he thought I had missed my calling, that I was a natural teacher. That’s when I decided to give academia a try.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: At CityU our students tend to be a bit older than a traditional student, more in the 25-35 age range for a bachelor’s degree. Most students have some work experience and return to school because they want a career, not a job. They come to school knowing they want a degree, that it will take a lot of hard work, and that they will have to sacrifice personally and financially to do so. Our students work hard and have a sense of pride in their achievements. I love being able to partner with them to earn their education. When they walk the platform at graduation, pass the CPA exam, receive a promotion, or send me a thank you note for sticking with them when they struggled, I have the privilege of sharing in their success. Life doesn’t get much better than that.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: You will work for most years of your life. For most of us, work will consume more of our time than family or friends. All of us deserve to have a career that we love and helps us roll out of bed in positive frame of mind. A Bachelor of Science in Accounting serves as a springboard for a plethora of career options. If you don’t like financial accounting, there is cost accounting or tax accounting or audit or management or entrepreneurship. You owe it to yourself to earn a degree that will provide career options that compliment your skills and interests.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: This class will be demanding. I understand the learning that needs to take place during this class so students will be prepared for their first job in accounting. I will come prepared, ready to teach, provide feedback, and give you opportunities to grow and learn. Are you ready to make the commitment to learn?

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: My terminal degree is an MBA from Seattle University.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I like to travel and read.

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: Various classes under in the accounting and finance programs and both MBA and undergraduate levels.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: I was sad about leaving the academic environment after graduating with my MBA, and then one of my professors suggested I look into teaching so I will still be in the academic world.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: CityU has a great program for working adults, and the international program provides opportunities to teach at international locations.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: You have to network and talk to people. This will get you further and provide more opportunities then just doing your job well.

Q: Any fond CityU memories that you can share?
A: I have had the opportunity to teach in China and Mexico. I have fond memories of eating unusual foods with other CityU instructors in both these countries. I also love interacting with the students there.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: The course will not be easy but you will learn and lot.

Q: What is something that you have learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: I learn a lot from the comments. I have learned that assessments I thought were great were seen differently by students. As a result I have made changes to the assessments to not only achieve my objective of determining the students’ level of knowledge on the course but to be perceived as more value added by the student.

Q: What is your terminal degree in and where did you get it from?
A: MS in Taxation from Golden Gate University.
MBA in Global Management from City University of Seattle.

Q: What do you do for fun?
A: I work in the yard, which is sometimes tedious but generally very rewarding. I love looking out to see the flowers blooming and fruits developing. When I get away from home, I head for the water where I enjoy snorkeling and kayaking. The green sea turtles are my favorite. They are so peaceful and stately!

Q: What classes do you teach?
A: I teach various accounting courses at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Q: Why did you decide to start teaching?
A: In my career as a CPA in public practice and then as a budget director for a nonprofit I found myself doing a fair amount of teaching others. I really enjoyed that and gravitated toward it. So when I had an opportunity to start teaching at City University of Seattle I jumped on the opportunity. I haven’t looked back since.

Q: Why do you enjoy teaching at CityU?
A: The accounting profession has been very good to me. I enjoy helping others to enter the field or advance their credentials and careers. I like being able to share my experiences of what the “real” accounting world is like, beyond the textbooks. I love interacting with the students – every semester I get insights from the different perspectives students bring to the courses. It makes me happy.

Q: What’s one thing you always tell your students that may or may not relate to your class?
A: The accounting profession is wonderfully diverse. It can be a springboard for entry into any number of careers, including taxation, auditing, litigation support, administration, managerial accounting, management, and data analysis. It is a career field that can lead in an amazing number of different directions.

Q: What might you tell a student who was thinking of taking one of your classes?
A: Accounting is not an easy field, but if you stick with it and ask for help whenever you get stuck, we’ll get you through. You’ll learn what you need to know and come out ready for a career in accounting (or a related field).

Q: What is something you’ve learned from end-of-course evaluations that you applied later on?
A: Students love detailed feedback. They don’t feel like detailed feedback is yet another mass of words to wade through. They really do appreciate comments and criticisms that help them understand what they have done well and where there might be room for improvement.

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